The Kirkus Prize is one of the richest literary awards in the world, with a prize of $50,000 bestowed annually to authors of fiction, nonfiction and young readers’ literature. It was created to celebrate the 81 years of discerning, thoughtful criticism Kirkus Reviews has contributed to both the publishing industry and readers at large. Books that earned the Kirkus Star with publication dates between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, are automatically nominated for the 2015 Kirkus Prize, and the winners will be selected on October 23, 2015, by an esteemed panel composed of nationally respected writers and highly regarded booksellers, librarians and Kirkus critics.

"Nevertheless, this book gives middle-grade readers a starting point for understanding this landmark episode in American history, in which slaves fought through the court system and won. (author's note, bibliography) (Historical fiction. 10-14)"

In this text-heavy picture book, Edinger fictionalizes the story of Margru, a child whom slave traders transported in 1839 from Mendeland, West Africa, to Cuba and then to the United States on the Spanish slave ship the Amistad.
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"Rousing reading for all armchair sword-wielders and plunder-seekers. (Nonfiction. 10-12)"

Sure, Vikings get all the good press—but as Kroll points out, they weren't the only warlike people to raid, invade and topple established empires between 100 CE and the death of Tamerlane in 1405.
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Paired with stylized, full-bleed views of strong-featured figures in classical Greek dress, and generally posed in profile, Byrd retells a melded tale that includes not only Theseus's birth, early feats and battle with the Minotaur, but also the imprisonment and flight of Daedalus and Icarus.
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As thorough an exploration of Leonardo's achievements as can be wrought in picture-book format, this offering takes every opportunity to give the original Renaissance Man his own voice.
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"A synopsis of the MacCoul legend, source notes, and a pronunciation guide appear at the end of the book. (Picture book/folklore. 4-8)"

This visually attractive treatment of the early Celtic folktale, in which Finn and his crafty wife foil the menacing giant, Cucullin, is musical in its wording and graced with a fine sprinkling of old Irish artifacts.
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